Enagás and Axpo have officially launched the Alisios LNG, a 12,500 m³ state-of-the-art bunkering vessel stationed at the Port of Huelva. This strategic deployment strengthens Spain’s position as a premier European hub for LNG and bio-LNG supply, providing critical low-emission refueling infrastructure along the southern Iberian maritime corridor to meet rigorous new EU decarbonization targets.
Huelva, Spain | March 12, 2026 – In a major leap forward for the Mediterranean’s alternative fuels infrastructure, Enagás and Axpo officially launched the Alisios LNG today at the Port of Huelva. The 12,500 m³ capacity bunkering vessel is set to become a cornerstone of the maritime energy transition along the southern coast of the Iberian Peninsula, offering both liquefied natural gas (LNG) and bio-LNG to the growing fleet of dual-fuel vessels.
The ceremony, held in the southwestern Spanish port, was led by Enagás CEO Arturo Gonzalo and Axpo Iberia Managing Director Ignacio Soneira. The vessel, owned by Enagás through its subsidiary Scale Green Energy, has been secured by Axpo under a long-term charter for commercial operations.
A Milestone for Decarbonisation
During the launch, leadership from both organizations emphasized the strategic necessity of the vessel in meeting stringent European environmental mandates.
Arturo Gonzalo, CEO of Enagás:
“Today’s launch is a key milestone in the development of infrastructure that contributes to the decarbonisation of the maritime sector. The adoption of more sustainable fuels, such as LNG and bio-LNG, also supports compliance with European emission reduction targets.”
Ignacio Soneira, Managing Director of Axpo Iberia:
“Commissioning this new vessel further consolidates Axpo’s leadership in the small-scale LNG bunkering business as we continue our efforts to help the transition to decarbonise maritime transport.”
Technical Profile: The Alisios LNG
Built at the CIMC Sinopacific Offshore & Engineering yard in China and delivered in early 2026, the Alisios LNG is designed for maximum versatility in diverse port environments.
| Feature | Specification |
| Storage Capacity | 12,500 m³ |
| Vessel Length | 133 meters (LOA) |
| Beam (Width) | 22 meters |
| Propulsion | Wärtsilä Dual-Fuel (2 x 6L 20DF, 2 x 9L 20DF) |
| Service Speed | 13.00 knots |
| Flag | Malta |
| Primary Base | Port of Huelva, Spain |
The vessel features advanced control systems for high manoeuvrability and specialized technology to maintain cargo in optimal condition throughout voyages. Its capacity, roughly equivalent to the annual energy consumption of 7,000 EU households, allows it to service large-scale container ships and cruise liners now frequenting the Iberian corridor.
Enagás Fleet Expansion and the Iberian Advantage
Through its Scale Green Energy subsidiary, Enagás has rapidly scaled its presence as a leading shipowner in the Southern European bunkering market. The Alisios LNG joins a growing fleet that includes:
- Levante LNG
- Mistral LNG (18,900 m³ capacity, currently under construction/development)
- Haugesund Knutsen
Spain’s infrastructure provides a unique competitive edge, with seven regasification plants now adapted for bunkering services. Terminals in Barcelona, Cartagena, Huelva, and El Musel have already pioneered bio-LNG supply services, facilitating a “plug-and-play” ecosystem for shipowners looking to reduce their carbon footprint.
The Rise of Bio-LNG and Market Growth
The launch comes as LNG bunkering activity in Spain has quadrupled between 2023 and 2025. Last year alone, LNG cargoes in Spanish ports grew by 64%, cementing the nation’s status as a strategic hub.
The environmental dividends are significant. Compared to heavy fuel oil (HFO), LNG provides:
- 100% reduction in Sulphur Oxides (SOx)
- 80–90% reduction in Nitrogen Oxides (NOx)
- 25% reduction in CO2 emissions
Industry projections suggest that the widespread adoption of LNG as a marine fuel in Spain could cut CO2 emissions by 2 million tonnes by 2030, an impact equivalent to replacing one million internal combustion engine vehicles with electric ones.
Axpo’s Growing Footprint
For Axpo, the Alisios LNG is the latest addition to a Mediterranean-wide strategy. The company recently commenced operations with the Green Pearl, a 7,500 m³ bunkering vessel on a ten-year charter in Italy. By expanding its bio-LNG portfolio and forging industrial partnerships, Axpo aims to bridge the gap between traditional fossil fuels and future zero-emission molecules.
About Axpo
Axpo is Switzerland’s largest producer of renewable energy and a leading player in energy trading and LNG solutions. Operating in over 30 countries across Europe, North America, and Asia, Axpo delivers innovative and sustainable energy solutions for a wide range of customers, from small enterprises to large industrial companies. In the maritime sector, Axpo is a trusted partner in LNG and bio-LNG bunkering, committed to accelerating the decarbonization of shipping through clean fuel supply chains.
About Enagás
Enagás is the Technical Manager of the Spanish Gas System and a certified European Transmission System Operator (TSO). Operating more than 11,000 km of pipelines and seven regasification plants, Enagás plays a central role in energy security while advancing Europe’s hydrogen backbone and carbon-neutral fuel infrastructure.
Source: Enagas | AXPO